Marsala wines

Marsala (Trapani - Sicily), Italy

txakolí

Getaria, (Gipuzkoa - Basque Country) Spain

Getaria is known for its txakolí, a slightly sparkling white wine which is considered quite dry and acidic.  It can be bottled for up to a year and is usually served as an aperitif.  The countryside of this region, an area which receives a lot of rain, is covered with these trellis-like structures which serve to support the vines and create a canopy.

Vineyards and Olive Groves

Estremoz, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

Vineyards and olive groves are spotted throughout the countryside of Alentejo, a region which covers more than a third of Portugal, but only accounts for about 7% of its population.  Important activities in this region include marble, cork, olive oil and mining as well as cheese, wine, ham and sausage production.

Monsaraz from a distance

Monsaraz, Portugal - Region of Alentejo

Set on top of a hill at almost 200 meters is the walled in city of Monsaraz.  Olive groves, vineyards and cork-oak trees cover much of the Alentejo countryside, home of the world's most important area for growing cork.  The name Alentejo originates from Além-Tejo, which means "Beyond the Tagus River", separating the region from the rest of Portugal to the north and the Algarve region to the south.